Money, not play, cost Dawson a spot

If San Antonian Eric Dawson never makes it back to the NBA, he will someday be able to tell anyone who asks that he averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 17 minutes per game for his career.

In fact, the 6-foot-9 Dawson showed enough in his brief stay with the Spurs that it will be a surprise if a team in need of a big body later this season doesn’t sign him from the Spurs’ Austin Toros D-League team.

In almost any other Spurs season, the former Sam Houston High School product likely would still be on the roster on a second 10-day contract, perhaps headed for a spot for the remainder of the season on a roster with only four legitimate big men.

What makes this season different?

The Spurs are over the luxury tax threshold by roughly $4 million, and that makes even a rookie minimum contract something ownership is reluctant to approve.